A public meeting with the focus on addressing the current crisis within the health service will take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel tonight, April 4, at 7.30pm.
Facilitated by local elected representatives, Town Mayor, Frankie Keena and Leas Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Aengus O’Rourke, the public meeting will feature keynote speaker, Stephen Donnelly TD, Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Health.
The health service in Ireland is in a continued state of crisis, with new records highlighting the inordinate numbers on trolleys along with waiting lists of over 950,000 dominating the daily headlines.
Speaking prior to the public meeting, Cllr. Keena noted that the “capacity is part of the solution to the crisis and how we deliver that capacity needs to be addressed”.
Meanwhile, his party political colleague called for a modernisation of the country’s health care system.
“This country badly needs a new model of health care, one that modernises an out-dated system that is continuously treating crisis-care as opposed to treating patients at an early stage.”
This public meeting hosted by both Councillors will examine the issues, the options and the possible solutions.
Stephen Donnelly TD is Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Health and will guest speak at the public meeting.
“I am looking forward to visiting Athlone and having a good discussion about our health service. Like everyone, I want a fair health service, with real delivery for patients. We need a strong dependable public health system with quality services close to people and those services made available when people need them.”
